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Washington, DC – A nationally recognized emergency management expert will serve as the first Chief Emergency Response and Recovery Officer for the U.S. General Services Administration’s Office of Emergency Response and Recovery (OERR), the agency announced today.

“Richard’s broad experience in emergency and crisis management will strengthen GSA’s mission to support the government’s emergency response efforts across the United States,” said Administrator Doan. “I look forward to working with him to bring world class service and support to GSA and the federal government’s response and recovery programs.”

OERR is responsible for coordinating all GSA resources in support of first responders, emergency workers and recovery teams across all levels of government. GSA is the nation’s premier contracting and acquisition resource; with the creation of OERR, GSA is better prepared to respond to national emergencies. As head of the office, Mr. Reed will report through the Chief of Staff Office to the Administrator.

Prior to his appointment at GSA, Mr. Reed served as Director of Continuity of Policy for the Homeland Security Council at the White House. In that position, he led continuity of operations policy development, coordination and implementation. In addition, he was the senior policy representative for the Department of Homeland Security on interagency organizations relating to continuity of operations. Prior to working at the White House, Mr. Reed was Director of the Operations Division, Office of National Security Coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There he was responsible for Continuity of government programs for the federal government and Chairperson of the Interagency Advisory Group.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve President George W. Bush under the leadership of Administrator Doan,” said Mr. Reed. “I appreciate the opportunity to lead the Office of Response and Recovery and support GSA’s mission.”

Mr. Reed holds undergraduate degrees from Purdue University and Indiana University, and a master’s degree from Indiana University.

For more information about GSA emergency response, visit GSA's Office of Emergency Response and Recovery

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Founded in 1949, GSA serves as a centralized procurement and property management agency for the federal government. GSA manages more than one-fourth of the government’s total procurement dollars and influences the management of $500 billion in federal assets, including 8,300 government-owned or leased buildings and 205,000 vehicles. GSA helps preserve our past and define our future, as a steward of more than 420 historic properties, and as manager of USA.gov, the official portal to federal government information and services. GSA’s mission to provide superior workplaces, expert technology solutions, acquisition services, purchasing and E-Gov travel solutions and management policies, at best value, allows federal agencies to focus on their core missions.

Did You Know? GSA’s Disaster and Emergency Operations Vendor Profile form puts small businesses on the government’s radar so they do not miss out on federal contract opportunities in a time of disaster. More than 1,500 small businesses have used the online form to identify themselves.